Random Thoughts Take 2

                                             Everyday is a brand new day,
                                            everyday is a journey

Though man a thinking being is defined,
Few use the grand prerogative of mind.
How few think justly of the thinking few!
How many never think, 
who think they do!

--Jane Taylor.

Two things have been on my mind lately:1) Finishing all of my projects and 2) the future a.k.a. my Tiny Living.

I have been pouring over YouTube channels watching everything out there on Rv living. Honestly, I'm not very impressed. What I'm really looking for is a good blog on the Rv lifestyle. That's what I did when researching Tiny Houses and it has been very informative. It seems that the majority of blogs out there in regards to Rv living, are travelers. Well, I don't want to travel nonstop here. I want to park it and live in it. 

I thought that perhaps I am using the wrong terminology. Perhaps there is a term for living in an Rv that I don't know about. After more research, I've finally had some success. Not the kind where I'm very happy with, but I've decided on two sites. 

One of them is really a YouTube videos of her life in an Rv, but she seems to be stationed in one place at least. Another, I'm not sure if I will like it, but she has several posts on her blog. We will see how this will work out. It was much easier when I was researching T.H.O.W.'s since there are several bloggers on that subject. 

What I'm looking for is the complete story from A to Z in why they chose this lifestyle and the ups/downs of the everyday. I'm not interested in seeing pictures of their various trips. I don't mean to sound uncaring, but I am trying to see if this is for me or not.  

I will keep you posted. At least, with the videos, I'm able to multitask. I can work on some of these unfinished projects while watching them. Stay tuned.

Have a blessed day everyone. 

Things To Take To A Friend In Need

                                                        Everyday is a brand new day,
                                                        everyday is a journey.



And yet these days of dreariness are sent us from above;
They do not come in anger, but in faithfulness and love;
They come to teach us lessons which bright ones could not yield,
And to leave us blest and thankful when their purpose is fulfilled.
ANON.

One of the most asked questions of me pertains to helping someone with a chronic illness. What can we do to help someone as they go through their illness? From time to time, I've posted several ideas that either someone has done for me or I will love it if they did. 

1. Recently, two of my girlfriends and I decided to go for a treat and have a massage. This wasn't Massage Envy or any other topnotch competitor, but the local foot massage places one sees for half the price. What I didn't know is that this treat I was giving myself ended up being a treat from them. What a nice gesture and it wasn't extremely expensive. Regular one hour massage was like 29.99 and with a Groupon, they paid even less. I still think about that massage, but most of all, I think of the great time we had together. 

2. I think that gift baskets or gift bags of any kind are awesome to receive. I have gotten so many different kinds in these past ten years. I have received one while at the hospital that held basic items everyone requires for a few nights stay. From razors, nail files and puzzle books to just plain socks. Basic dollar store stuff that I had so much fun going through. 

A gift basket can consist of anything. I've received ones that held a variety of books. Another was an assortment of teas. Recently, I've seen one with cookies, brownies and hot chocolate. One could make a gift basket out of anything as long as it reflects the person's taste. God for it!

3. Food is a great choice. You cannot go wrong, it is always appreciated. The only thing I want to add here is to consider the other people in the household. Everyone thinks of the sick person, but there is a family here and everyone needs to eat. The last treatment I've received, I've had many meals delivered. All were delicious and appreciated. There was one that stood out the most in my mind, because this person thought of everyone. Also, if you are visiting someone in the Hospital, please don't forget the relations of that person who are there 24/7. A bagel or cup of coffee would go a long way. Many times, they don't even think of food for themselves. 

4. Now, on the flip side. Please don not take this the wrong way, but sometimes too many visitors can be exhausting. I understand that everyone loves you and cares for you, wanting to call or come over, but it can become overwhelming. I, myself, needed naps as part of my treatment. Entertaining can really tire a person out. It did me. I did not know how to tell someone that I'm tired and could they please go home. I never wanted to hurt anyone's feelings, especially when they came bearing gifts and took the time to deliver them. So please consider that they are sick, they need to rest more and keep the visits short. 

5. Another thing I really loved this past treatment is when others would pick up my prescriptions or drive Emily to her appointment for me. These little things really made a huge difference. I've always been a person who wanted to exert my independence so I never really took people  on their offers. I'm glad I did the last time. What a wonderful help they were to me just by picking up a gallon of milk or painkillers. Thank God for these people. 

I hope this helps whenever a situation arises and a friend is in need. We should always treat others the way we want to be treated when in their situation. 

Have a Blessed day everyone. 

Radiation Therapy

                                                   Everyday is a brand new day,
                                                   everyday is a journey.
 


Lord, with what courage and delight
    I do each thing,
  When Thy least breath sustains my wing!
    I shine and move
    Like those above,
    And, with much gladness
    Quitting sadness,
  Make me fair days of every night.
H. VAUGHAN

Radiation. . . .I still shudder at the very mention of the word. I'm so happy to be rid of it for good. I hope I never have to endure that type of treatment again. Never has anything taken such a mental hold over me as radiation. I find that frightening. 

Frightening, because the very thought of something having such control over me, scares the heck out of me. It also has taught me a valuable lesson. I was becoming way too comfortable with my progress as a cancer survivor. In my mind, I thought I have learned and gone through everything I needed to experience mentally. I mean, it's been almost ten years. I'm a seasoned survivor. 

Bull. All bull. You are never finished. You are never done learning. There is always so much more. You may have overcome one obstacle, but there is another around the corner. We need to stop thinking that we are here on this Earth for our pleasure. We are here to prepare for the work we will be doing in Heaven. 

That thought process changes everything. We are flawed, imperfect people who need to be working on becoming as Christ like as possible. That won't happen overnight.

Radiation brought me to my knees. It made me realize how vulnerable I really am on the inside. There is still a lot of work left in me. Here I am Lord, turn me into a worthy vessel, molding me into the person you see me become. 

Have a blessed day everyone. 

Falling Off The Wagon

                                 Everyday is a brand new day, everyday
                                 is a journey.


My soul is sailing through the sea,
But the past is heavy and hindereth me.
The past hath crusted cumbrous shells
That hold the flesh of cold sea-mells
About my soul.The huge waves wash, 
the high waves roll,
Each barnacle clingeth and worketh dole
And hindereth me from sailing.

--Sidney Lanier.

What is your sin nature? First, we have to define what is sin nature? 

What is the sin nature? - Got Questions

https://www.gotquestions.org/sin-nature.html

Answer: The sin nature is that principle in man that makes him rebellious against God.

We all have a weakness in us that defines our sin nature. We continually struggle with that weakness where we keep falling off the wagon. According to Christianity 101:

"Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me" (Psalm 51:5). Every human being sins. Sin is often defined as missing the mark. It is a failure to live up to God's requirements. We sin because we have a sin nature. Every human being possesses a sin nature -- a corrupt nature inherited from Adam. Our sin nature separates us from God: "The result of one trespass was condemnation for all men" (Romans 5:18). Christians have two natures at work in their being -- one is the old sin nature, and the other is a new nature controlled by the Spirit. These two natures are constantly at war with each other. Paul explains that, despite his best intentions, he is still influenced by his sin nature: "I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do -- this I keep on doing" (Romans 7:18-19). While our two natures are constantly in conflict, it is not the sin nature that will ultimately control the Christian. Part of the sanctification process involves dying to the old nature. The Christian will sin, but the Christian will not continue in unrestrained sin: "You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you" (Romans 8:9). Sin in the Christian's life will be followed by remorse and repentance. At Christ's second coming, when the believer's body is glorified, the sin nature will be destroyed once and for all. Until then, we are told to resist the sin nature's temptations. God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1  I know I have a battle with my own sin nature. I'm even embarrassed to let you know what it is, because I am ashamed. Just when I have been real good for months, BAM! I fall within seconds and not even with a fight. Why is that? Even the Apostle Paul had a sin nature that he often wrote about. We are so imperfect and in need of our Savior. Thank goodness He is so forgiving and full of love for us. When we fall off the wagon, He just picks us up and covers us with His love.  Have a Blessed day everyone.

Winter's Haven

                                             Everyday is a brand new day,
                                             everyday is a journey

So to the calmly gathered thought

The innermost of life is taught,

The mystery dimly understood,

That love of God is love of good:

That to be saved is only this--

Salvation from our selfishness.

--John Greenleaf Whittier

It's funny how the Winters have changed around here in the past few years. Very rarely do we have tons of snow, blizzards, ice and below zero weather. Mostly it just rains. 

It may surprise you when I say how much I miss the snow. Well, not all the time, but sometimes. There is something so calming watching the snow come down as we lay snuggled in our cozy homes. A cup of coffee and a glass of wine on the end table as I crochet my little heart out. 

Winter has always been a time of nesting for me. It's usually too cold to go out into the world like in the Summer where almost all of our time is spent outdoors. I miss that cozy feeling of contentment, serene and calm. At least, looking from the inside out!

This thinking has led me to believe that change not only happens in our lives, but in the conditions we live in. I've always thought that a major change occurs every ten years or so where we either move forward or lag behind. A sort of upheaval in our lives. I call it an upheaval, because many of these changes are unwelcome. 

It seems the same can be said of the weather. I cannot even remember the last time we had a snowy Winter. Not that I'm complaining, but I need all four of my Seasons. I don't think I could live in a zone where the same temperature reigned all year long. How boring! Remember, I like diversity. 

This week alone, we are enjoying weather in the sixties in February. People are walking around with bare legs and shorts. In the next few days, the temperatures will drop once again. Is it any wonder that everyone is walking around sick?

Although, the weather is beautiful, I still secretly am hoping for at least one snowstorm where I can look out through my window admiring the beauty of Our Lord. I know there is some snow coming, I just wonder when. 

Have a blessed day everyone.  

Worldly Wealth vs. Spiritual Wealth PT.2

                                          Everyday is a brand new day, everyday is a journey.


I am glad to think
I am not bound to make the world go right;
But only to discover and to do,
With cheerful heart, the work that God appoints.
I will trust in Him,
That He can hold His own; and I will take
His will, above the work He sendeth me,
To be my chiefest good.
J. INGELOW.

I often wondered why did it take me so long to figure out what was the most important time to change priorities of my life. Why couldn't I see then what I see now? 

I wish I could say that my cancer brought about an instant overnight change in my life. The truth is, it became a slow process like a journey I've never been on before. All I knew was that God saved me for a reason. I should have been dead and instead He saved me for a purpose. I was so afraid that I would miss that purpose. 

It was that fear that propelled me to go to Church every Sunday, join a Bible study and learn the Word of God. Somewhere in those pews where I sat, something wonderful happened within my heart. A few years earlier, I accepted Christ, but I didn't accept Him 100%. I made excuses for my behavior.  You know, I would go to Church if there was one near me. So God opened one near me. God called my bluff and saved me. Now I had to keep my end and show Him things would be different. 

Treasures in Heaven

¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
²⁴ “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Matthew 6:19-24

This May, it will be ten years since I decided to take God on that journey. Like I said, it didn't happen overnight. I started a blog, a Crocheting Ministry, kept a 30 day journal on simplicity, faced cancer three mores times and here we are. Ten years of choosing to leave behind the worldly goods and opting for God instead. I have more now than I ever had in all those younger years where I hoarded looking to acquire stuff to make me feel complete. Instead, I shed some extra unnecessary baggage, baggage that was weighing me down. 

I look forward to my senior years where simplicity will play an even bigger role in my life. It's not things that make me happy. I don't need hings, I need Him!

Have a blessed day everyone. 

Worldly Wealth vs. Spiritual Wealth PT.1

 

                                                Everyday is a brand new day,

                                                        everyday is a journey.

 

  I have always been a person who wanted to know more. I was never satisfied with a simple answer of "because I said so" or "that's the way life is". I wanted to learn as much as I could while I was here on this Earth. It's almost funny how much we change as we become older. The things we enjoyed as young blooded adults are completely opposite to where we are now. Things we desired and fought for, no longer hold appeal. With that in mind, it's no surprise that my desires have changed so drastically.

Nothing could have been more truer in that respect when I was a small girl. I wanted things in grandeur style. I believe that stemmed from not having much as a child. We were new immigrants from a communist country and I desperately wanted to fit in. I wanted a grand home with a wrap around porch. I wanted many children. I wanted a huge car. I even wanted to work in a hi-rise building. I had huge desires and dreams. I would pour over magazines, circling in red pen all the things I would buy when I became an adult. I would save stacks of magazines and catalogs that I would pour over dreaming of that day. My brothers had a blast making fun of me and occasionally still bring it up.

My view really wasn't different from everyone else while growing up. We all dreamed big, didn't we? I compared my successes in life by what I owned. The bigger and more expensive the item, the more successful I felt. In that instance, size did matter to me. Everything had to be grand and massive. I owned 32 pairs of shoes! I wanted one of every shape and color. I wanted it all. In my mind, I thought that acquiring worldly wealth was all that life was about. Isn't that what they call the "American Dream"?

How much time is spent in shopping? Or in hobbies? Or in making money? We need to ask ourselves what am I here for and what do I want to accomplish? It's funny how these questions would have different answers all based on my age  when asked. Life just became simpler as I aged. In all this time, I believe that my life really didn't change, but I've changed and the way I dealt with it.


Over the years, I've turned away from worldly treasures that obviously brought me zero happiness and ran straight towards spiritual fulfillment. It didn't happen overnight. It slowly developed over a few years before I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. That diagnosis changed everything in my life and for that reason, I will always be thankful for my cancer. It woke me up to the real purpose in my life.

To be continued. . . 

Have a Blessed day everyone.